Current projects are as follows: 1. Analysis of the role of TLR2 activation in driving inflammation and the impact of decreasing activation on cognitive function, glial activation and amyloid pathology in APP/PS1 mice. 2. Investigation of the effects of a small molecule inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome on glial and neuronal function in APP/PS1 mice. 3. Assessment of the impact of infiltrating IFNγ-producing peripheral cells on neuroinflammation and investigation of consequences of inhibiting cell infiltration by FTY720. 4. Investigation of the role of SLAM (Signalling lymphocyte activation molecule) on microglial function. 5. Identification of the metabolic and functional signatures of different microglial phenotypes

2001-2005: Member of Irish government-appointed Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction; Workgroup Chair & member of drafting group for the final report. 2001-2009: Member of Board of Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience 2005-2008: Member of Board of Trinity College Dublin 2006-2009: Director, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience

RESEARCH INTERESTS 1. Analysis of the underlying cause(s) and consequences of age-related neuroinflammation in the brain, with a specific emphasis on assessing changes in microglial activation and the consequent inflammatory changes. 2. Assessment of the effect of neuroinflammation on synaptic function and modulation by anti-inflammatory strategies including neuroimmuneregulatory proteins, particularly CD200 ligand-receptor interaction. 3. Investigation of the different activation states of microglia in neuroinflammatory conditions including in the aged brain and in models of Alzheimer's disease. Assessment of the mechanisms by which activation states can be modulated. 4. Examination of the importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids in synaptic function, particularly in the aged brain. 5. Assessment of peripheral inflammatory changes as a means of identifying a biomarker which correlates with compromised cognitive function in prodromal Alzheimer's disease.